This refreshing zucchini salad is a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and fresh. The delicate flavors of zucchini, feta, walnuts, and dill come together in harmony to create a dish that's both invigorating and satisfying. The addition of lemon adds a tangy zest that elevates this simple salad into a gourmet delight.
While most ingredients in this recipe are common household staples, you may need to make a trip to the supermarket for fresh dill and feta cheese. Dill is a unique herb with a vibrant, tangy flavor that's essential to this dish, and feta is a briny, tangy cheese that beautifully complements the other ingredients.
Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Dill Ingredients
Zucchini: A summer squash that's versatile and full of nutrients.
Extra virgin olive oil: A healthy and flavorful oil that adds a rich, smooth texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Feta cheese: A tangy, salty cheese that adds a creamy texture.
Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a slight bitterness.
Fresh dill: Provides a bright, tangy flavor.
Lemon: Adds a tangy zest, enhancing the fresh flavors.
One reader, Faythe Swearingen says:
This zucchini salad is a game-changer! The combination of fresh zucchini, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant dill creates a burst of flavors and textures. It's a delightful, refreshing dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side. I highly recommend trying it!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Zucchini Salad
How to arrange zucchini slices: Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping concentric circles on four dinner-sized plates.
How to drizzle zucchini with olive oil: Drizzle the zucchini lightly with extra virgin olive oil, about 1-1/2 teaspoons per plate.
How to season zucchini: Season each plate with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How to divide feta and walnuts: Divide the crumbled feta and walnuts over each dish.
How to sprinkle with dill: Sprinkle the dish with fresh dill.
How to serve with lemon: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
How To Make Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill
Bold and savory feta, crunchy walnuts, and buttery dill makes up this tangy and fresh zucchini salad; perfect for a light and healthy lunch meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbsmall zucchini,sliced very thin
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ½cupfeta cheese,crumbled
- ½cupwalnuts,toasted if desired
- 2tbspfresh dill,chopped
- 1small lemon,cut into wedges
Instructions
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Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping concentric circles on four dinner-sized plates.
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Drizzle the zucchini lightly with extra virgin olive oil, about 1 to ½ teaspoons per plate, then season each plate with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Divide crumbled feta and walnuts over each dish, and then sprinkle with fresh dill.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 136.12kcal
- Fat: 11.48g
- Saturated Fat: 3.87g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.17g
- Carbohydrates: 5.68g
- Fiber: 1.59g
- Sugar: 3.89g
- Protein: 4.29g
- Cholesterol: 16.69mg
- Sodium: 351.15mg
- Calcium: 116.65mg
- Potassium: 332.96mg
- Iron: 0.72mg
- Vitamin A: 36.09µg
- Vitamin C: 26.30mg
Expert Advice for Elevating Your Zucchini Salad
When arranging the zucchini slices on the plate, try to slice them as thin as possible for a more delicate texture. A mandoline slicer can be a great tool for this. Also, toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad can enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch. Just be sure to let them cool before adding, to avoid wilting the zucchini.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill
Prep ahead: Chop and store ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pan to minimize cleanup time.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up prep work.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals later.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to work more efficiently.
Quick marinating: Use acidic marinades to add flavor to dishes in a shorter amount of time.
Time-saving techniques: Learn and utilize cooking techniques that save time, such as pressure cooking or sous vide.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to zucchini in the salad.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a suitable alternative in the salad.
walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can offer a similar nutty crunch and flavor to walnuts in the salad.
dill - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to dill in the salad.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Zucchini Salad
Elevate the zucchini slices: Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping concentric circles on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil with precision: Use a steady hand to drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the zucchini slices, ensuring each one is lightly coated for a glossy finish.
Season with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the zucchini slices, ensuring even distribution for balanced seasoning.
Artfully crumble the feta: Carefully crumble the feta cheese over the zucchini, creating an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that complements the dish.
Scatter the walnuts with precision: Sprinkle the walnuts over the zucchini and feta, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Garnish with fresh dill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a burst of aromatic flavor.
Present with elegance: Ensure the plate is clean and free of any spills, and arrange the lemon wedges with precision for a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Salad
Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Grater: Used to grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients for the salad.
Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying dressings and marinades.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh lemon juice for the salad dressing.
Serving plates: Used for arranging and serving the zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill.
Interesting Trivia About Zucchini Salad
Zucchini salad with feta, walnuts and dill is a refreshing and nutritious dish that can be served as a side or a light main course.
Budget-Friendly: Making Zucchini Salad at Home
This zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill is indeed cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of seasonal zucchini and basic pantry staples keeps the cost low. The addition of feta cheese and walnuts adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12.
Is This Zucchini Salad Healthy?
This zucchini salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that offers a variety of beneficial ingredients. Here's why:
- Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like potassium and manganese, which support overall health and digestion.
- Extra virgin olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
- Feta cheese adds a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health, while being lower in calories compared to many other cheeses.
- Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, which can help improve brain function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Fresh dill contains antioxidants and has been linked to improved digestion and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Lemon juice provides vitamin C and can help enhance the absorption of iron from other ingredients.
To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a mix of different colored zucchinis (e.g., green and yellow) to increase the variety of nutrients and antioxidants.
- Opt for reduced-fat feta cheese to lower the overall calorie and saturated fat content of the dish.
- Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunchiness without adding extra oil.
- Add other fresh herbs like mint or basil to boost the antioxidant content and provide additional flavor dimensions.
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the salad.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits, like lime or orange, to vary the flavor profile and add more vitamin C to the dish.
Editor's Take on This Zucchini Salad Recipe
This zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The freshness of the zucchini, the creaminess of the feta, the crunch of the walnuts, and the aromatic dill create a harmonious dish. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the squeeze of lemon add a bright and zesty finish. It's a simple yet elegant salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. The balance of flavors and the visual appeal make this salad a standout dish.
Why trust this Zucchini Salad with Feta, Walnuts and Dill Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh zucchini, creamy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant dill. The use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a touch of lemon adds a burst of flavor. The ingredients are carefully selected to ensure a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making this dish a delightful addition to any meal. With its simple yet elegant presentation, this zucchini salad with feta, walnuts, and dill recipe is a trustworthy choice for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
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